J/90 combines handling ease & grand-prix performance

with the stability of a 40 footer in a super-charged 30.

At least that’s the opinion of the three families who designed and built the first boat. The J/90 is more stable and easier to sail fast by fewer crew. She weighs in at 3,100 lbs. on a 27.0 foot waterline. The result is one of the lightest sailboats of her size with a displacement/length ratio of 70.

The forgiving hull is shaped for easy control by sailors of all levels with very little wetted surface to slow you down. Generous reserve buoyancy, narrow beam, low center of gravity, and balanced hull form make the J/90 an easy boat to steer even at large angles of heel. This means more fun going fast while in total control.

Add in, J/90’s high power to weight ratios, both upwind and down, and you'll get a turbo-charged ride for a few ultra-wide grins! Construction by TPI Composites in Warren, Rhode Island features an optimum combination of high technology materials to reduce weight and increase strength without compromise.

J/90 is built to meet ABS specifications for offshore yacht construction. Hull and deck use carbon fiber biaxial and unidirectional inner skins, pre-molded Corecell A-500 foam core material, and a Kevlar/E-glass hybrid outer skin. The entire sandwich laminate is molded SCRIMP technology using epoxy resin. The hull & deck are then post cured to 140deg F in TPI's closed oven. Longitudinal hull stringers and transverse keel floors are also infused with the primary hull structure (not tabbed in later as a secondary bond) to again assure optimum high strength. Total hull, interior structure, and deck weight is less than 900 lbs. The result is a strong, lightweight sailing machine never before offered in a production sailboat of this size. Much of the weight saved in structure allows for greater stability in the form of a deep draft fin/bulb keel. Built with a cast NAB bronze fin (not iron) set into a lead bulb, this low CG keel yields a ballast/displacement ratio beyond 50%.

Some other unique J90 features include: A carbon reinforced rudder blade - with carbon post, tiller, and Harken bearings - designed for all-around steering efficiency at any speed; deck hardware and running and standing rigging optimized to provide maximum strength, minimum weight, easy handling, and long term durability; Harken's new "Black Magic" hardware is used throughout including winches and adjustable leads for the jib and genoa sheets; Bow and stern rails as well as stanchions and double lifelines are standard for offshore sailing; Chainplates are built of lightweight titanium; The 15' cockpit is comfortable, functional, and unobstructed for easy crew movement.

The J/90 carries 600 square feet of upwind sail area in mainsail and 150% genoa for a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 45. The 1,080sf masthead asymmetrical spinnaker is tacked to a retractable 7.5 foot carbon fiber bowsprit, increasing the sail area to 1400 sq. ft. for downwind speed thrills.

The 7/8 fractional rig is designed for a sail inventory of mainsail, 150% genoa, 100% jib, large running and small reaching asymmetric spinnaker - both flown from the masthead. Rigging and control systems are simple and sophisticated.

The interior, while simple, is functional, with sleeping space for two people on mid-ship pipe berths. Also provided is outboard motor storage and space for galley facilities and a portable head if an owner should desire to add.